The host response to anthrax lethal toxin: unexpected observations.

Abstract

Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, is believed to induce disease and death in humans in an endotoxic shock-like manner. A comprehensive study of the effects of anthrax toxin in mice demonstrates that toxin-induced death is mediated not by cytokine release, as previously thought, but by hypoxia-induced liver failure. The study strongly suggests that the therapies developed for treatment of cytokine-mediated septic shock will not be appropriate for the treatment of anthrax.

• Authors: Alice S Prince
• Journal: The Journal of clinical investigation (J Clin Invest) Vol. 112 Issue 5 Pg. 656-8 (Sep 2003) ISSN: 0021-9738 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12952914 (Publication Type: Comment, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antigens, Bacterial
• Bacterial Toxins
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
• Virulence Factors
• anthrax toxin

Topics

• Animals
• Anthrax (complications, etiology)
• Antigens, Bacterial
• Bacterial Toxins (toxicity)
• Mice
• Plasmids
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (physiology)
• Virulence Factors (genetics)